Dora Spenlow (Character) Dora Spenlow (Character) from David Copperfield (1935) The content of this page was created by users. It has not been screened or verified by IMDb staff. Overview ... aka "Little Em'ly and David Copperfield" - USA (second part title) ... aka "The Early Life of David Copperfield" - USA (first part title) ... aka "The Loves of David Copperfield" - USA (third part title) Additional Details Charles Dickens / Character Name In Title / Based On Novel / Coming Of Age See more » Update You may correct errors and omissions on this page directly. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process. IMDb Everywhere Find showtimes, watch trailers, browse photos, track your Watchlist and rate your favorite movies and TV shows on your phone or tablet! David Copperfield Summary 58-64 You can read the full text of David Copperfield online by clicking here . Many elements of the novel were inspired by events that occurred to the author, and so this work can be considered an autobiographical novel of the life of the great nineteenth-century writer.

David Copperfield is also considered an industrial novel, because it reflects the poverty experienced during the Industrial Revolution, and the widespread exploitation of women and children in factories. The first edition of David Copperfield was illustrated by Phiz , one of the most important illustrators of the books by Charles Dickens. David Copperfield Plot Summary David Copperfield's father dies before his birth, and David grows up without the benefit of a father figure. David finds support in his mother and their housekeeper, Peggotty. David's mother, however, feels the need to have a husband and then marries Mr. Murdstone, a stern and insensitive man, and also welcomes into their home the sister of Mr. Murdstone. The sister, David's step-aunt, proves even more insensitive than her brother. Both seek to remove David from his family send him to boarding school. There, David gets to know Steerforth, a fellow student who will become his greatest friend and companion, as well as the stern headmaster, Creakle. Returning from school, David finds a new little brother and a mother oppressed by her husband. Eventually, David's mother dies and David is sent off to forced labor by his step-family.

During this period, David stays with the Micawber family and develops a deep friendship with them. Mr. Micawber is unable to look after the household expenses and goes into debt, at which point David decides to run away from London. After many adventures he reaches Dover, where is his aunt, Betsey Trotwood, lives. The aunt and her roommate, Mr. Dick, welcome David and pay for David to study law at Canterbury, where David rents a room in the house of a lawyer named Wickfield. There, David develops a sincere friendship with Wickfield's daughter, Agnes, a sweet and good comforter. After completing his studies David articles at the law firm of Spenlow & Jorkins and meets Spenlow's daughter, Miss Dora, eventually falling in love. David renews his friendship with Steerforth, who eventually reveals himself as a treacherous and amoral traitor. David becomes a parliamentary reporter and marries Dora Spenlow during this period. The marriage turns out to be happy, and David began to be appreciated as a writer for some of his works, but after a few years his wife dies.

This causes great pain to the young man, who turns to Agnes, his support in times of grief. In doing so, David discovers the virtues of Agnes, whom he had always considered a sister, and begins to feel a strong affection for her. However, the slippery and treacherous Uriah Heep, Wickfield's administrator, is also attracted to Agnes and is determined to marry her. To achieve his goal, Uriah Heep almost ruins Wickfield financially in hopes that he will submit and consent to the marriage, but is unmasked, thanks to the constant work of Micawber, who had since been hired by Uriah, as well as Traddles, another one of David's school friends. At the end of the book, David marries Agnes, who was always secretly in love with him. Main Characters in David Copperfield David Copperfield The novel's protagonist. After spending a happy childhood with her mother and the servant Peggotty, David Copperfield is forced by her stepfather to attend boarding school and then sent to work hard in the sweat shops of industrial England. He seeks refuge from his aunt Betsey, studies at Canterbury and is taken in by the lawyer Wickfield.

He then starts an internship at the law firm of Spenlow & Jorkins, marries Dora, daughter of the owner, who unfortunately dies. After a period of depression, David experiences literary fortune and marries Agnes Wickfield. David has many nicknames: Steerforth calls him "Daisy", Dora calls him "Doady", Aunt Betsey calls him a "Trot", the diminutive of "Betsey Trotwood Copperfield", a name that he wanted to give her nephew if David had been born female. Agnes Wickfield (later Agnes Copperfield) The only and much loved Wickfield. She has always been secretly in love with David Copperfield. She is coveted by Uriah Heep, her father's assistant, and "saved" with the help of friends of David and David Copperfield himself, whom she eventually marries. Betsey Trotwood David Copperield's aunt. She has a tough personality but us basically good. She lives with her strange tenant, Mr. Dick.

Betsey Trotwood plays a crucial role in the subsequent life of David Copperfield, and temporarily takes David into her home after he escapes from the bottle factory where he had been confined by his stepfather Edward Murdstone, after the death of his mother. The aunt, in spite of her gruff character, is responsible for the maintenance of the boy and also for his education, giving him the opportunity of attending a good school in Canterbury and to pursue a career as an attorney. Trotwood is married but separated from her husband whom she still loves very much. Her husband reappears from time to time, frightening and upsetting Trotwood, who often lends him money to ensure that he stays away for a long time. The character is modeled on Miss Mary Pearson Strong who lived in Broadstairs, Kent. His former residence now houses the Broadstairs' Dickens House Museum. Secondary Characters in David Copperfield Wilkins Micawber David Copperfield stays with him during while he works in the factory "Murdstone and Grinby". Micawber is eternally in debt, with the help of David and Micawber's wife Emma is able to get out of debt and emigrate to Australia with his wife and children. There Micawber achieves success.

This character is based on Dickens' father, John Dickens, who was himself arrested for the nonpayment of debts. Emma Micawber Wife of Wilkins Micawbar. She has a good character and is more practical than her husband. She becomes concerned when Wilkins stops confiding in her, but is later relieved to discover that her husband's behaviour is due to his preoccupation with dismantling Uriah Heep. Clara Copperfield (later Murdstone) David Copperfield's mother; a very sweet character, was married to a man who died a few months before the birth of her son. At first lives alone except her son and the servant Peggotty, with whom she quarrels often, but is extremely affectionate. She later marries Edward Murdstone with whom she has another child. She eventually dies due to her new husband's mistreatment. Edward Murdstone Edward is Clara's second husband and David Copperfield's step-father. He has an extremely hard and severe character. He mistreats David and his mother and eventually causes Clara's death. He tries to distance David from his family, first by sending him away to boarding school and then to work in a bottling factory.

After the death of David's mother, Murdstone inherits the family home. Jane Murdstone Sister of Edward Murdstone. She has an even harsher personality than her brother, and is suspected (without justification) of having a secret lover. Later in the novel, she reappears as a lady in waiting to Dora Spenlow, who however does take her into her confidence. Peggotty (later Barkis) She is the Copperfield family servant. A very affectionate woman despite her frequent arguments with David's mother, Clara. David's earliest memories are of Peggotty and the sensation of touching her thumb, roughened from the sewing needle, and of Peggotty reading a primer book about alligators to him, which David preserves as a sort of relic. Peggotty comes from a poor family who lives on a boat very well suited for habitation. The Lawyer Wickfield A lawyer friend of Aunt Betsey. David studied at his law firm. He is at risk of being ruined by Uriah Heep, his assistant, is very fond of his daughter Agnes and is a good father, despite a fondness for drinking too much Port.

Uriah Heep Wickfield's slimy, and hypocritical Wickfield and, later, his partner. Heep falsified documents and embezzled money from Wickfield; schemes to marry Agnes, but is exposed by Micawber with the help of Traddles. Ham Peggotty's nephew; is a good person and a diligent worker. He dies tragically at sea. Emily Peggotty's niece and Ham's cousin. She was the first love of the young Copperfield, who meets and collects shells by the seashore with her when she goes to visit Peggotty; elopes along with Steerforth, the treacherous friend of David, but is abandoned, but is then found by his uncle Daniel after being shipwrecked and having lost her memory for a brief time. Daniel Peggotty The brother of Peggotty, the Copperfield family's servant. He is very fond of his grandchildren and searches for Emily for months before finding her. James Steerforth The much beloved member of a wealthy family, a school friend of David. He causes the good teacher, Mr. Nell, to be fired. He later reveals himself his true character after treacherously running off with Emily.

He dies in a shipwreck. Tommy "Thomas" Traddles Another classmate of David, noted for his passion for drawing skeletons. He is often whipped despite being a good boy. David is not as fond of Traddles as he is of Steerforth, but Traddles proves himself much more loyal and useful in the end. Traddles becomes a lawyer and, at the request of David, helps Wickfield. Dora Spenlow (later Dora Copperfield) The frivolous but good first wife of David, daughter of his employer Spenlow. She dies after a few years of marriage, throwing her husband in a lengthy but temporary state of despair. Creakle The violent director of the boarding school attended by David, Steerforth, and Traddles. He frequently whips his pupils. Creakle is unable to speak loudly and has swollen veins in the neck; every time he opens his mouth he needs an interpreter. Julia Mills A close friend of Dora Spenlow, she helps David keep in touch clandestinely with Dora, through letters Later, she moved to India with his father.

Mister Dick (Richard Babley) Wacky tenant of Aunt Betsey, who holds him in high regard. A little unbalanced; he believes that he has the problems of King Charles I in his head. Barkis Stingy coachman who often carries David to the ship-habitation of Peggotty, Peggotty marries him after a long courtship. Mrs. Gummidge The widow of a sailor friend of Daniel Peggotty who died at sea. She describes herself as alone and helpless, but after Emily's flight with Steerforth radically changes her behavior. Martha Endell Young girl of bad reputation who helps Daniel Peggotty to find his niece Emily. At the end of the story she emigrates to Australia with Emily, Daniel Peggotty and Mrs. Gummidge. Miss Mowcher Expert hairdresser. A friend Steerforth. She is very short. Mowcher contributes decisively to the capture of Littimer, who had stolen money to the owner before fleeing abroad. Mister Chillip The doctor who attends the birth of David. He announces to Betsey Trotwood that Clara's baby is a boy, which is a cause of great disappointment for the woman.

Rosa Dartle Cousin of James Steerforth who lives with Steerforth's mother. She is secretly in love with Steerforth and despises Emily for having stolen him. Mrs. Steerforth Steerforth's mother. She is very proud, and loves and admires his son incredibly. Mr. Strong Headmaster of the school in Canterbury attended by David. Anna Strong Wife of Mr. Strong. Is suspected of betraying her husband with Jack Maldon, something which later proves unfounded. Jack Maldon Childhood friend of Anne Strong. He is in love with Anna and tries to alienate her from her husband. Mr. Mell Schoolmaster at Salem House, the school that David attended during his childhood. Because of the revelations about his humble background by Steerforth, which in turn had been told by David, he is let go from the school, much to David's regret. He is heard from again at the end of the novel. Sophy Crewler Wife of Traddles. The daughter of a pastor with a large family, proves a good housewife and a lovely wife, content to live with the few possessions of her husband. Littimer Steerforth's treacherous butler.

He appears to be a very respectable and righteous man yet facilitate's Steerforth's flight abroad with Emily. Several celebrities took inspiration from the name of the characters in David Copperfield, including the hard rock band Uriah Heep and illusionist David Copperfield. The novel has been made into several films and television shows. List of Characters. Dickens, Charles. 1917. The Personal History and Experience of David Copperfield the Younger. Vols. VII & VIII. Harvard Classics Shelf of Fiction RICHARD BABLEY (Mr. Dick), simple-minded protégé of Betsey Trotwood. BARKIS, stage-driver, who is willin. CHILLIP, medical practitioner. MRS. CLARA COPPERFIELD, afterward Mrs. Murdstone. DAVID COPPERFIELD, her son, the supposed narrator of this History. MRS. DORA COPPERFIELD, née Spenlow, his first wife. MRS. AGNES COPPERFIELD, née Wickfield, his second wife. CREAKLE, schoolmaster at Salem House. MRS. CREAKLE, his wife. MRS.

CRUPP, landlady to Copperfield in London. ROSA DARTLE, companion to Mrs. Steerforth. MR. DICK, see Richard Babley. LITTLE EMLY, niece to Peggotty. MARTHA ENDELL, an abandoned woman. MRS. GUMMIDGE, a widowed inmate of Peggottys home. URIAH HEEP, clerk and partner of Wickfield. MRS. HEEP, his umble mother. JANET, maid to Betsey Trotwood. JORAM, of Omer and Joram, undertakers. MRS. MINNIE JORAM, his wife. JORKINS, of Spenlow and Jorkins, attorneys. LITTIMER, valet to Steerforth. JACK MALDON, cousin to Mrs. Strong. MRS. MARKLEHAM, the Old Soldier, mother to Mrs. Strong. MELL, teacher at Creakles school. WILKINS MICAWBER, one who waits for something to turn up. MRS. EMMA MICAWBER, his sanguine wife.

EMMA MICAWBER, his daughter. WILKINS MICAWBER, JR., his son. The Micawber Twins and Baby. JULIA MILLS, friend to Dora Spenlow. MISS MOWCHER, a dwarf, hairdresser. EDWARD MURDSTONE, wine-dealer, stepfather to David Copperfield. MRS. MURDSTONE, his wife, formerly Mrs. Clara Copperfield. JANE MURDSTONE, his sister. OMER, of Omer and Joram, undertakers. CLARA PEGGOTTY, nurse to David Copperfield, and afterwards Mrs. Barkis. DAN PEGGOTTY, her brother, a fisherman. HAM PEGGOTTY, their nephew. Character List Character List Bookmark this page Manage My Reading List David Copperfield He is the central character in the novel and tells the story of his life from birth to adulthood. David is a sensitive youth who first suffers under the cruel Murdstones and then is sent away to work in a wine warehouse. David first marries Dora Spenlow, an empty-headed young girl; afterward, he realizes how incompatible they really are.

When Dora dies, he marries Agnes Wickfield and by the novel's end, he has matured into a successful writer and adult. Clara Copperfield David's mother. She is an attractive, tender person, but impractical and emotional and easily taken in by Mr. Murdstone, who marries her because he is interested in her annuity. Clara Peggotty The Copperfields' housekeeper, who also acts as David's nurse. She is a woman of intense loyalty and is David's only companion after his mother's death. Peggotty marries Barkis, the cart-driver, and continues throughout the novel to be David's friend. Edward Murdstone David's stepfather. A dark, handsome man who cruelly beats David and slowly drives David's mother to an early death. Jane Murdstone Mr. Murdstone's sister. She runs the Copperfield household and incessantly harasses David. Mr. Barkis The driver of the horse-cart that travels between Yarmouth and David's home, He is a shy, quiet man who uses David as a messenger in his courtship of Peggotty. Mr. Chillip The doctor who delivers David.

He is an exceedingly mildmannered, frightened little man who is especially afraid of David's aunt, Betsey Trotwood. Daniel Peggotty Clara Peggotty's brother and a Yarmouth fisherman. He is a warm-hearted man whose house is a refuge for anyone who needs help. Ham Peggotty Mr. Peggotty's orphaned nephew. Ham, like his uncle, is a considerate, kindly person. He is in love with Em'ly and waits patiently for her after she runs away. He finally dies in an attempt to save Steerforth, Em'ly's seducer. Little Em'ly Mr. Peggotty's orphaned niece. She is David's childhood sweetheart, but becomes engaged to Ham and later runs away with Steerforth. She is a quiet, compassionate young girl who wants to become a "lady," a desire that leads to unhappiness. Mrs. Gummidge The widow of Mr. Peggotty's partner. She constantly complains about her hardships, but when Em'ly runs away, she changes into a helpful, inspiring confidante of Mr. Peggotty. Charles Mell A schoolmaster at the Salem House boarding school. A gentle friend and teacher of David. Mr.

Creakle The sadistic headmaster of the Salem House School. He is a fiery-faced man who enjoys flogging the boys with a cane. He later becomes a prison magistrate. Mr. Tungay The assistant and cruel companion of Mr. Creakle. He has a wooden leg and repeats everything that Creakle says. James Steerforth A spoiled young man whom David admires. He has a surface polish and the good manners that deceive people who do not know him. His true selfishness is shown when he deserts Em'ly, leaving her with his servant, Littimer. He is killed in a storm off Yarmouth along with Ham, who tries to save him. Tommy Traddles David's friend. Of all the boys at the Salem House School, Traddies receives the most punishment. He is a good-natured, loyal friend to both David and Mr. Micawber. Traddles is persistent, and this quality helps him rise from his humble background to become a judge. Wilkins Micawber A constantly impoverished, but always optimistic, gentleman who boards David during his stay in London. He is a broad comic character with a passion for writing flowery letters and uttering grandiloquent speeches.

He finally accompanies Mr. Peggotty to Australia, where he becomes a successful magistrate. Emma Micawber Mr. Micawber's long-suffering wife. She stands by her husband through all his hardships, even joining him in debtors' prison. Betsey Trotwood David's great-aunt. She is unhappy that David was born a boy instead of a girl, but later she acts as his guardian and provider during his early years of schooling. Her formal, often brisk, nature is deceiving; she is basically a sympathetic person. Richard Babley (Mr. Dick) A lovable simpleton cared for by Betsey Trotwood. He is engaged in writing a long manuscript that he uses to paper a huge kite. Mr. Dick is devoted to David's aunt and becomes a great friend of David's. Uriah Heep A repulsive, scheming young man who attempts to marry Agnes Wickfield and gain control of her father's law practice. He pretends to be humble and uses this as a means to gain vindictive revenge on people he believes have snubbed him. He is exposed by Mr. Micawber and ends up in prison. Mr.

Wickfield A solicitor and the widowed father of Agnes Wickfield. He is a proud man, but his excessive drinking allows Uriah Heep to take advantage of him. Agnes Wickfield The daughter of Mr. Wickfield; David's second wife. She is a dutiful companion and housekeeper to her father and a sisterly friend to David while he stays at the Wickfield house. She proves to be a perfect wife and an inspiration to David in his writing. Dr. Strong The headmaster of the school which David attends in Canterbury. He is a scholarly, trusting gentleman who is married to a girl much younger than himself. Although his wife is accused of infidelity, he maintains his faith in her. Annie Strong Dr. Strong's youthful wife. She is a beautiful, affectionate girl whose family exploits her husband. Jack Maldon Annie Strong's cousin. He is a lazy, vain young man who tries to compromise Mrs. Strong, but is repulsed. Mrs. Markleham Annie Strong's mother. A forceful, selfish woman, she always takes Jack Maldon's part and unwittingly helps cause the misunderstanding between her daughter and Dr. Strong. Mrs.

Steerforth James Steerforth's mother. A possessive woman who has spoiled her son by over-indulgence and a smothering affection; she lapses into a semi-invalid state when she hears of her son's death. Rosa Dartle Mrs. Steerforth's companion. She is a neurotic, quick-tempered young woman with a consuming love for Steerforth. Littimer Steerforth's personal manservant. He is a formal, haughty person who has an air of respectability, yet he aids Steerforth in his seduction of Em'ly. He is trapped by Miss Mowcher and is sent to Creakle's prison. Miss Mowcher A middle-aged dwarf who is a hairdresser for wealthy families. She is upset when she realizes that she was duped into helping Steerforth run off with Em'ly, and is instrumental in the capture of Littimer, who aided Steerforth. Martha Endell Em'ly's friend. She is a suffering woman who is forced to go to London to hide her shame. Martha redeems herself by saving Em'ly from a similar life and finds happiness in her own life after she arrives in Australia. Mr.

Spenlow A proctor and partner in a law firm in Doctor's Commons. He is a pompous, aristocratic lawyer who objects to David's plans to marry his daughter. Dora Spenlow David's first wife. She is an impractical, empty-headed girl who cannot cook or manage a household. Although she is a poor selection as a wife, David is so taken by her childlike beauty that he overlooks her faults and marries her. Their marriage is a comedy of mismanagement until Dora dies, leaving David free to marry the domestically perfect Agnes. Mr. Omer The Yarmouth undertaker and dealer in funeral clothes. Minnie Omer Mr. Omer's daughter and Em'ly's working companion. Joram Minnie Omer's sweetheart and eventually her husband, and finally, Mr. Omer's business partner. Mr. Quinion A business associate of Mr. Murdstone. Janet Betsey Trotwood's housekeeper. She assists Miss Trotwood in chasing donkey riders off the lawn. Mr. Jorkins Mr. Spenlow's seldom-seen partner.

He is reputed to be a strict businessman, but he is really a mild-mannered individual whose name is used to frighten new employees. Julia Mills Dora's girl friend. She is a romantic person who advises David in his courtship with Dora. Mrs. Crupp David's landlady. She is a lazy woman who drinks David's brandy and feuds with Aunt Betsey. Sophy Crewler Traddies' sweetheart. A patient girl from a large family, she marries Traddies and assists him in his work as a lawyer. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens: Character Summary Literature Network » Charles Dickens » David Copperfield » Character Summary Character Summary Clara Copperfield: the fragile, delicate, pretty, and young wife of the deceased David Copperfield and mother of the boy who takes his father’s name Miss Betsey Trotwood Copperfield: a.k.a. Miss Betsey, David Copperfield’s eccentric great-aunt who had married and divorced an abusive husband Clara Peggotty: the Copperfields’ spiritually loyal and physically stout housemaid Ham Peggotty: Peggotty’s orphan nephew Mr. Chillip: the meek, mild doctor who attends to Mrs.

Copperfield while she gives birth to David Edward Murdstone: a black haired and black whiskered man who courts Mrs. Copperfied to David’s and Peggotty’s disapproval Dan Peggotty: Peggotty’s fisherman brother who lives in a boathouse in Yarmouth and who has a heart of gold Mrs. Gummidge: the poor widow of Mr. Peggotty’s fisherman friend who lives in Mr. Peggotty’s boathouse in Yarmouth Emily: an orphaned niece of the Peggottys’ who is looked after by Mr. Peggotty Jane Murdstone: Edward Murdstone’s sister who comes to live with the Copperfields for the sake of helping her brother teach their new relatives discipline and firmness Mr. Barkis: the slow carriage driver from Blunderstone to Yarmouth who proposes to Peggotty Mr. Mell: the impoverished, flute playing Master of Salem House Tungay: the wooden legged, sour, and malicious superintendent of Salem House Mr. Creakle: the man who runs Salem House Tommy Traddles: the first boy to arrive at Salem House from summer vacation who eventually becomes David's dear friend Mr.

Sharp: the wig wearing first master of Salem House J. Steerforth: the handsome and the most highly respected Salem House student who becomes David's good friend Mr. Omer: the man of business who sees to David Copperfield’s mother’s funeral Minnie: a daughter of Mr. Omer who sees to the tailoring in her father’s business Joram: the carpenter who is love with Minnie and who builds David’s mother’s casket Mr. Micawber: father of four who becomes David’s good friend and who is constantly in arrears Mrs. Micawber: the devoted wife of Mr. Micawber Janet: Miss Betsey Trotwood’s pretty housemaid Mr. Dick: a pleasant albeit eccentric roomer and companion of David's aunt Uriah Heep: the thin, creepy, red-haired assistant of Mr. Wickfied. Mr. Wickfield: lawyer and steward of an estate of a rich gentleman Agnes Wickfied: Mr.

Wickfield’s placid daughter and housekeeper who loves David and eventually marries him Doctor Strong: the kindly school master who is in charge of David’s new school in Canterbury Annie Strong: Doctor Strong’s hauntingly pretty, youthful wife whom David initially mistakes for his daughter Jack Maldon: the careless, impulsive, good looking cousin of Annie who departs for India Mrs. Markleham: a.k.a. Old Soldier Annie’s mother who has a habit of disconcerting her daughter with frequent references to her unconventional marriage Mrs. Heep: Uriah’s mother whose affectation of humbleness resembles her son’s and whose appearance, aside from her shorter stature, also resembles her son’s Mrs. Steerforth: Steerforth’s proud and devoted mother Miss Rosa Dartle: the thin, large-eyed, and scarred orphaned relative of the Steerforths’ who lives with Mrs. Steerforth and who has a habit of insinuating Littimer: the Steerforths’ ever reliable and respectable house servant Mrs.

Mowcher: a roly-poly dumpling of a woman who makes her living as a barber and a manicurist Martha Endell: a poor, disgraced woman who was formerly employed at Omer and Joram’s milliner shop Mr. Spenlow: an extravagantly dressed mild mannered man working in the law Mrs. Crupp: David’s stout, matronly landlady who lets out a room with a view of the river Mr. Waterbrook: a middle-aged gentleman whose climb to the top of his profession would be impressive but for his resemblance to a pug-dog Mr. and Mrs. Henry Spiker: honored guests at the Waterbrooks’ dinner party on account of Mr. Henry Spiker being a solicitor to “something or to somebody” who is remotely connected to the Treasury Dora Spenlow: the pretty, curly haired daughter of Mr. Spenlow with whom David falls in love at first sight Miss Julie Mills: Dora’s best friend who encourages David to woo Dora and who brings about David and Dora’s reconciliation after the couple’s first fight Mr. Jorkins: Mr.

Spenlow’s nebulous partner at the Doctors’ Commons who has the reputation for being the most fiercely uncompromising in looks and in matters of business but who is actually very mild in looks and bearing Miss Lavinia Spenlow: the younger and livelier of Dora’s aunts who has been the object of adoration from a gentleman by the name of Pidger Miss Clarissa Spenlow: the older of Dora’s aunts Sophy Crewler: Traddles’ fiancée and eventual wife SparkNotes: David Copperfield: Character List David Copperfield Plot Overview Analysis of Major Characters David Copperfield - The protagonist and narrator of the novel. David is innocent, trusting, and naïve even though he suffers abuse as a child. He is idealistic and impulsive and remains honest and loving. Though David’s troubled childhood renders him sympathetic, he is not perfect. He often exhibits chauvinistic attitudes toward the lower classes. In some instances, foolhardy decisions mar David’s good intentions. Read an in-depth analysis of David Copperfield. Agnes Wickfield - David’s true love and second wife, the daughter of Mr. Wickfield. The calm and gentle Agnes admires her father and David.

She suffers patiently through David’s other romances, and although she loves David, she is not overcome by jealousy. Agnes always comforts David with kind words or advice when he needs support. James Steerforth - A condescending, self-centered villain. From his boyhood, Steerforth possesses a restless energy that he can neither satisfy nor divert. He charms both women and men for the feeling of power it gives him. He also abuses David, although David is too enraptured with him and too grateful for his patronage to notice. Read an in-depth analysis of James Steerforth. Clara Peggotty - David’s nanny and caretaker. Peggotty is gentle and selfless, opening herself and her family to David whenever he is in need. She is faithful to David and his family all her life, never abandoning David, his mother, or Miss Betsey. In her kind motherliness, Peggotty contrasts with the cruel and unloving Miss Murdstone. Little Em’ly - Peggotty’s unfaithful niece, who is sweet but also coy and vain. Little Em’ly’s desire to be a lady causes her to disgrace herself by running away from her family.

Uriah Heep - A two-faced, conniving villain who puts on a false show of humility and meekness to disguise his evil intentions. Uriah is motivated by his belief that the world owes him something for all the humiliations he suffered as a young man. Ultimately, Uriah’s veneer of humility proves as empty as his morals. Read an in-depth analysis of Uriah Heep. Miss Betsey Trotwood - David’s eccentric, kind-hearted aunt. Although Miss Betsey’s intentions are mysterious at the beginning of the novel, her generosity toward David soon becomes clear, and she acts as David’s second mother. Dora Spenlow - David’s first wife and first real love. Dora is foolish and giddy, more interested in playing with her dog, Jip, than in keeping house with David. Because David cannot bear to displease Dora, he permits her to retain the pouty habits of a spoiled child. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins Micawber - An unlucky couple crippled by constantly precarious finances. Although Mr. Micawber never succeeds at supporting his own family, he is generous and industrious in serving others. Mrs.

Micawber stands by her husband despite his flaws and regardless of the hardships they suffer. Tommy Traddles - Young David’s simple, goodhearted schoolmate. Traddles works hard but faces great obstacles because of his lack of money and connections. He eventually succeeds in making a name and a career for himself. Clara Copperfield - David’s mother. The kind, generous, and goodhearted Clara embodies maternal caring until her death, which occurs early in the novel. David remembers his mother as an angel whose independent spirit was destroyed by Mr. Murdstone’s cruelty. Mr. Edward Murdstone and Miss Jane Murdstone - The cruel second husband of David’s mother, and Murdstone’s sister. The Murdstones are strict and brutal not only toward David, but to his mother as well. Together, they crush David’s mother’s spirit. Mrs. Steerforth and Rosa Dartle - Steerforth’s mother and her ward, the orphan child of her husband’s cousin. Mrs. Steerforth and Miss Dartle are cruel and bitter toward the world and also haughty and proud, as evidenced by their overwhelming fondness for Steerforth and their disdain of David. Mr.

Peggotty, Ham, and Mrs. Gummidge - The simple relatives of David’s nurse, Clara Peggotty. Mr. Peggotty, Ham, and Mrs. Gummidge represent the virtues of simple people. Mr. Peggotty and Ham are sailors, Mrs. Gummidge a sailor’s widow. They are devoted and loving to each other and David. Doctor Strong and Annie Strong - A man and woman who exemplify the best of married life. Doctor Strong and Annie are faithful and selfless, each concerned more about the other than about himself or herself. Their deep love for each other enables them to survive Uriah’s attempts to disrupt their bliss. Who's Who in David Copperfield | Charles Dickens Info Who’s Who in David Copperfield Who’s Who in David Copperfield Dora Spenlow and David Copperfield. This list of characters from David Copperfield is presented in alphabetical order. Babley, Richard – This character is more commonly known as Mr. Dick. He is under the care of Betsey Trotwood. “How does the world go?

I’ll tell you what,” he added, in a lower tone, “I shouldn’t wish it to be mentioned, but it’s a -” here he beckoned to me, and put his lips close to my ear – “it’s a mad world. Mad as Bedlam, boy!” said Mr. Dick, taking snuff from a round box on the table, and laughing heartily. – Mr. Dick Barkis – A horse-cart driver who falls in love with Clara Peggotty and eventually marries her. “Barkis is willin’.” – Barkis Copperfield, Clara – The mother of David Copperfield. Copperfield, David – David Copperfield is the main character in this semi-autobiographical novel by Charles Dickens. The novel follows David from childhood to adulthood. Along the way David marries first Dora Spenlow and then Agnes Wickfield. Some happy talent, and some fortunate opportunity, may form the two sides of the ladder on which some men mount, but the rounds of that ladder must be made of stuff to stand wear and tear; and there is no substitute for thorough-going, ardent, and sincere earnestness – David Copperfield Dick, Mr.

– see Richard Babley Em’ly, Little – The orphaned niece of Daniel Peggotty. She was engaged to Ham Peggotty, but ended up running eloping with James Steerforth. Steerforth abandons her. Later she emigrates to Australia with her uncle, Daniel Peggotty. Grummidge, Mrs. – The widow of Daniel Peggotty’s partner. She emigrates to Australia with the Peggottys. Heep, Uriah – Uriah Heep is a scheming, young man who works for Mr. Wickfield. Uriah plots against Mr. Wickfield and tries to marry his daughter, Agnes. Heep prides himself on being humble. “There are people enough to tread upon me in my lowly state, without my doing outrage to their feelings by possessing learning. Learning ain’t for me. A person like myself had better not aspire. If he is to get on in life, he must get on ‘umbly, Master Copperfield!” – Uriah Heep Little Em’ly – see Em’ly, Little Micawber, Wilkins – Micawber is a friend of David Copperfield. He is very amusing and generally short on funds.

Micawber the the one that uncovers Uriah Heep’s plot against Mr. Wickfield. Micawber emigrates to Australia along with his wife and children. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen nineteen and six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery. – Wilkins Micawber “The twins no longer derive their sustenance from Nature’s founts – in short,” said Mr. Micawber, in one of his bursts of confidence, “they are weaned.” – Wilkins Micawber Peggotty, Clara – The ever-loyal nurse and later friend of David Copperfield. “Peggotty!” repeated Miss Betsey, with some indignation. “Do you mean to say, child, that any human being has gone into a Christian church, and got herself named Peggotty?” – BetseyTrotwood Peggotty, Daniel – The brother of Clara Peggotty. Daniel is a fisherman in Yarmouth. He is a bachelor who takes in his niece Little Em’ly, his nephew Ham as well as Mrs. Grummidge, his partner’s widow.

He is a kind-hearted man who spends months looking for Little Em’ly after she leaves with Steerforth. “I’m a going to seek her, fur and wide. If any hurt should come to me, remember that the last words I left for her was, ‘My unchanged love is with my darling child, and I forgive her!'” – Daniel Peggotty Peggotty, Ham – Ham is the nephew of Daniel Peggotty. Ham was engaged to Little Em’ly before she ran away with James Steerforth. Ironically, Ham dies trying to save Steerforth’s life. Spenlow, Dora – Dora Spenlow is the first love and the first wife of David Copperfield. The character of Dora was based on the first love of Charles Dickens, Maria Beadnell . Dora is a beautiful, but immature young woman. Sadly, Dora becomes ill and dies at a young age. If I may so express it, I was steeped in Dora. I was not merely over head and ears in love with her, but I was saturated through and through.

Enough love might have been wrung out of me, metaphorically speaking, to drown anybody in; and yet there would have remained enough within me, and all over me, to pervade my entire existence. – David Copperfield Steerforth, James – David Copperfield meets James at school. Initially David considers James a good friend. However he sees things differently after James runs away with Em’ly and then deserts her. Trotwood, Betsey – Betsey Trotwood is the formidable great-aunt of David Copperfield. She is a no-nonsense woman with a heart of gold. She takes care of Mr. Dick and refers to David Copperfield as “Trot.” “Never,” said my aunt, “be mean in anything; never be false; never be cruel. Avoid those three vices, Trot, and I can always be hopeful of you.” – Betsey Trotwood Wickfield, Agnes – Agnes is a devoted daughter of Mr. Wickfield and the second wife of David Copperfield. “I hope that real love and truth are stronger in the end than any evil or misfortune in the world.” – Agnes Wickfield Wickfield, Mr. – A lawyer and father of Agnes Wickfield.

David Copperfield Information

Question: Which Dickens character married Dora Spenlow?
Answer: DAVID COPPERFIELD